Made by the Caterpillar Corporation "Split Second Shifts" promotes their new D8 tractor bulldozer and the legendary Powershift transmission. The single-lever Powershift allowed the operator to shift quickly, with more power per load being delivered and resulting in more efficiency. The Powershift gives the power of direct drive and torque converter tractors through the planetary gear, as seen through animation at the 3:00 mark. At 7:30 the film shows the Powershift transmission up close, with the torque converter seen at 7:47. At 8:15, the film shows some of the Caterpillar manufacturing facilities including their legendary quality control operations and the Powershift assembly line at 9:10.  

The Caterpillar powershift transmission in their track-type tractors offers seamless and rapid gear and direction changes using a single lever without the need for clutching, greatly enhancing operator convenience and productivity. This innovative system combines the strengths of direct drive and torque converter designs through a unique planetary gearset that divides engine power between a torque converter and direct drive, ensuring smooth power delivery, flexibility, and protection against engine stall. The transmission’s robust construction, precise engineering, and efficient lubrication result in reliable performance and long service life. Designed for heavy-duty applications, the powershift transmission supports quick shifting under full load, enabling operators to match power efficiently to changing work demands, ultimately increasing machine efficiency and job productivity.

0:00 – Introduction to Caterpillar’s track-type tractor with powershift transmission that allows instantaneous speed and direction changes without clutching, improving operator convenience and cycle time.

0:33 – The tractor shifts smoothly through multiple gears, forward and reverse, using only one lever.

1:12 – The powershift transmission enables faster shifts and better matching of power to load, increasing productivity and efficiency.

1:34 – Operator benefits include a single selector lever for all speed and directional changes, spring resistance for safe gear selection, and a red safety lever to lock the transmission in neutral.

2:19 – Explanation of Caterpillar’s exclusive powershift design combining the benefits of direct drive and torque converter tractors.

2:55 – Description of the planetary gearset and torque converter arrangement in the engine flywheel housing that splits engine torque for efficient power delivery.

4:15 – Power is divided between torque converter and direct drive, offering flexibility and preventing engine stall while maintaining solid machine control.

4:50 – Detailed look at how the transmission uses planetary gearsets for forward, reverse, and speed control.

5:52 – Engagement of the transmission through braking the ring gear, allowing power transfer through the planet carrier to drive the tractor.

6:55 – Lubrication and cooling of transmission components are similar to oil flywheel clutches, maintaining durability and smooth operation.

7:18 – Summary of the powershift advantages: solid direct drive feel combined with efficient torque converter flexibility.

7:26 – Overview of the powershift transmission’s modular design allowing easy removal and maintenance of torque converter and transmission units.

8:39 – High precision machining and filtered, cooled oil lubrication ensure quality gear mesh and long-lasting performance.

9:07 – Caterpillar’s expertise in manufacturing heavy-duty transmission gears supports the reliability of the powershift transmission.

9:21 – After assembly, transmissions undergo dynamometer testing to ensure quality and durability.

9:37 – Recap of key points: exclusive divided torque design offering combined direct drive and torque converter benefits; rugged, long-life transmission built for heavy-duty track tractor applications.

10:19 – Powershift allows fingertip shifting under full load without clutching, enabling fast upward shifts and instant matching of load with highest possible gear for maximum productivity.

Motion picture films don't last forever; many have already been lost or destroyed. For almost two decades, we've worked to collect, scan and preserve the world as it was captured on 35mm, 16mm and 8mm movies -- including home movies, industrial films, and other non-fiction. If you have endangered films you'd like to have scanned, or wish to donate celluloid to Periscope Film so that we can share them with the world, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us via the weblink below.

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews